What Does Islam Say about Terrorism?

Islam, a religion of mercy, does not permit
terrorism. In the Quran, God has said:

God does not forbid you from showing
kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion
and have not driven you out of your homes. God loves just dealers. (Quran, 60:8)

The Prophet Muhammad
used to prohibit soldiers from killing women
and children,1 and he would advise them:
{...Do not betray, do not be excessive, do
not kill a newborn child.}2
And he also said: {Whoever has killed a person
having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise,
though its fragrance is found for a span of forty years.}3

He once listed murder as the second of the major
sins,5 and he even warned that on the Day of Judgment, {The
first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be
those of bloodshed.6}7

Muslims are even encouraged to be kind to animals
and are forbidden to hurt them. Once the Prophet Muhammad
said: {A woman was punished because she
imprisoned a cat until it died. On account of this, she was doomed to Hell.
While she imprisoned it, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she
free it to eat the insects of the earth.}8

He also said that a man gave a very thirsty dog a
drink, so God forgave his sins for this action. The Prophet
was asked, “Messenger of God, are we
rewarded for kindness towards animals?” He said: {There is a reward for
kindness to every living animal or human.}9

Additionally, while taking the life of an animal
for food, Muslims are commanded to do so in a manner that causes the least
amount of fright and suffering possible. The Prophet Muhammad
said: {When you slaughter an animal, do so in
the best way. One should sharpen his knife to reduce the suffering of the
animal.}10

In light of these and other Islamic texts, the act
of inciting terror in the hearts of defenseless civilians, the wholesale
destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent
men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to
Islam and the Muslims. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and
forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent events
some have associated with Muslims. If an individual Muslim were to commit an act
of terrorism, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam.